NIPPING WEDDING DAY NERVES IN THE BUD



Wedding nerves - we all get them. Mostly because we are aware of the importance of this life changing moment which is being witnessed by so many people we care about. If you are not used to being the centre of attention (and in truth, even if you are), this can be quite unsettling. 

Once you get to the day itself there is a 'no turning back' air to it. The ball has been set in motion and the day can feel as if it is running away from you. So how can we turn those nerves into excitement and help us move forward on such grand occasions?

As a professional performer I have had many high pressure occasions to deal with, but nothing prepared me for feeling nervous on my own wedding day! I did, however, have strategies I could use, so here are my 5 top tips for calming nerves on the day.

1. Although you may be centre of attention, you are going to feel fabulous in your outfit. You have chosen something that suits you and you will have lots of advice and help to look your absolute best. if everybody around you has done a good job, you will be floating on air. You won't lose that bubble of anticipation in your stomach, but you can know you are looking the part.



2. Make sure you have something to eat before the event. Nerves are really an overproduction of adrenalin and you don't want that on an empty stomach - so have something light to put you on; after all the wedding breakfast may not be until late afternoon following a morning ceremony! 

3. Keep coming back to focussing on your breath. Breathe in through your nose for 5 counts and out for 5 counts. If you feel a bit panicky, make the out breath longer than the in breath. In your mind imagine a calming colour like pink or pale blue and play that colour over to yourself mentally. Engage a trusted friend who is good at keeping calm and get their advice and presence on the day




4. Leave the details on the day to somebody else - in other words, delegate. I really mean that. If you are even remotely prone to being in control, organise in advance and just focus on the pleasure of seeing all your work come to fruition and focus on you and your beloved. Let go!!

5. You can't control the weather or other people; you have done all you can. Your partner is probably feeling nervous too so lend your support and while you are thinking about them, you can't be thinking about yourself.




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